WE Fortifies Global Leadership Team

LONDON — Sept. 29, 2016 — WE Communications today announced the agency has hired finance and operations leader Philip Channon in the new role of international chief operating officer, and appointed industry veteran Michael Murphy as non-executive director international.

Channon and Murphy both have deep global experience in building modern communications agencies. WE will tap that experience to complement existing leaders in its eight markets outside the U.S. and ensure that the agency’s client-facing capabilities reflect the needs of brands in transformation operating in a rapidly evolving media ecosystem.

Channon will ensure WE’s client-service supporting operations and infrastructure align with clients’ future-facing needs. Murphy’s history as a PR entrepreneur in EMEA and APAC, leader of a regional network, and global CEO of a midsize agency will quickly help amplify WE’s presence in both regions.

“Like our clients and their stakeholders and their markets, WE is in motion,” said Alan VanderMolen, president, International and WE+. “Michael and Phil provide us with accelerants to deepen our core sector capabilities across geographies while at the same time making sure our operations are run for maximum client benefit.”

Murphy will report to VanderMolen. Channon will report to global CFO Corey Kalbfleisch for financial and operational issues and to VanderMolen for business strategy.

Channon has more than 30 years of experience in finance and operations management across a range of businesses and industries, holding previous positions at Export Now and Edelman, among others. Having lived in Hong Kong for more than 25 years, Channon brings extensive experience in establishing and building businesses in Asian markets. This is a key advantage for WE as it continues to reinforce its international presence, with APAC representing one of its fastest growing regions.

“I came to WE because I see enormous opportunity. This agency is in an exciting period of transformational growth,” said Channon. “I look forward to using that momentum to help drive WE’s global long-range strategic planning and operational excellence.”

Murphy is a business leader and communications specialist with 35 years of international communications experience and extensive knowledge in helping market-leading companies articulate vision and engage stakeholders. His firm, Michael Murphy & Ltd., focuses on helping companies grow and improve their process effectiveness. Murphy began a consultant role with WE in 2014.

“My increased engagement with WE is testament to the success we’ve had working together,” said Murphy. “WE is primed for the next phase of growth, and I am eager to see it achieve its potential.”

About WE

WE works with some of the most innovative companies on the planet — those focused on delivering the next big thing. We partner with clients to transform their businesses through storytelling, in many different forms. Our playground is consumer, healthcare, social innovation and technology. Our fiercely independent mindset allows us the freedom to bring together the best talent, partners and ideas to create powerful, persuasive campaigns. That’s the power of WE. Shiny accolades like Cannes Lions, Integrated Communications Agency of the Year, Digital Firm of the Year, Best Large Agency to Work For, Communications Agency of the Year, and Technology Agency of the Decade adorn our offices. But it's not about us, it's about our clients, their customers, and sparking a more elemental and immersive conversation. Talk soon. http://www.we-worldwide.com.